Bockhorn-Rodenbeck Family Reunion Held

During the business meeting, members of the family who were in attendance and had served in the United States military were invited forward and presented with a commemorative pin. In honoring these men, President Bruce Bockhorn, himself a veteran of the U.S. Army, stated, “The true definition of what it means is to be an American, is represented in those who are simply called by the term, veteran. Like so many veterans before them, they put their love of country and thoughtfulness for their fellow man ahead of their own, and they continue to do that in places far from here the, European and Pacific Theater during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.” President Bockhorn stated, “We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude.” A round of applause was given to the veterans. Members of the Bockhorn-Rodenbeck Family Reunion who served in the military and honored at the 85th Bockhorn-Rodenbeck Family Reunion are pictured above (from left) Dan Davis, Larry Hillman, Jeremy Buckley, Bruce Bockhorn, Art Remmert, Gene Miller, Harold Remmert, Larry Stark, Delbert Schramm, and George Guttenberger.

The 85th Bockhorn–Rodenbeck Family Reunion was held on Sunday, July 21, at the Fire House of the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Chappell Hill. This reunion annually pays homage to its creation from the marriages of Wilhelmine Cassen to Heinrich Bockhorn in 1861, and then upon Heinrich’s untimely death, her marriage to Wilhelm Rodenbeck in 1868. The first reunion was held in August 1934, and with the exception of the years during World War II and a 2-year break due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 and 2021), the descendants have gathered each summer to renew family ties.

Following registration, the reunion was officially opened by President Bruce Bockhorn welcoming all attending. President Bockhorn then gave a brief devotional based on the ties of faith and family evidenced by the reunion attendees participating in the gathering. Following the blessing of the meal, a delicious catered barbeque lunch was enjoyed by 95 family members and guests catered by the Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli. Children attendees aged 12 and under enjoyed a Happy Meal of chicken nuggets. There were 103 members in attendance. The annual business meeting followed the meal.

The 2023 Meeting Minutes were reviewed and approved as submitted by voice vote. The 2023 Financial Report was presented by Treasurer Dan Davis. President Bockhorn noted the reunion continues to maintain a positive account balance including reserves designated for memorial/grave restoration of the founders. The report was reviewed and approved as submitted by voice vote.

There were 16 children in attendance ranging in age from 1 year to 12 years. In keeping with the tradition started at the 1st reunion in 1934, all children were presented a bag of M&M’s by the President.

Family groups were acknowledged and family members present were recognized. A total of 39 family units were present: William Bockhorn (36 members); Henry Bockhorn (6 members); Fritz Bockhorn (0 members); Charley Rodenbeck (15 members); Minnie Rodenbeck Bosse (5 members); Theodore Rodenbeck (0 members); Bertha Rodenbeck Dannhaus (4 members); Malinda Rodenbeck Remmert (12 members); Otto Rodenbeck (7 members); Mathilde Rodenbeck Vahrenkamp Witt (18 members).

The meeting proceeded by paying tribute to four family members who passed away since last reunion in 2023. A candle was lit to honor each individual, followed by a moment of silence and a prayer offered for the names announced at the reunion.

The following recognitions were acknowledged and presented with a certificate: Oldest Descendent in Attendance: Harold Remmert (93 years young who was present at the 1st Reunion on August 9, 1934) Oldest Member in Attendance: Gene Miller Youngest Member in Attendance: Henry Shelfer Longest Married Couples in Attendance: A special presentation by the President was made to all couples who had celebrated 50 years or more of marriage.

66 years: Harvey and Faye (Guttenberger) Ludwig 61 years: Larry and Marjorie (Bockhorn) Stark 60 years: Gene and Linda (Schwettmann) Miller 55 Years: Delbert and Malinda (Remmert) Schramm 54 Years: Dan and Scottie (Wehman) Davis Most Recently Married in Attendance: Ralph and Kelly Weiss Stokley Longest Distance Traveled to Attend: Carol Schwettmann Richardson (Ponca City, Oklahoma); accompanied by her granddaughter, Holley Scott.

For the annual children’s guessing game there were 16 entries. Courtney Miller won the contest with a guess of 336 jellybeans. The correct total was 351 jellybeans.

The births and marriages reported were recognized. Ten family members that served in the military who were in attendance were recognized with a flag pin and gathered for a group photo. High school and college graduates of the family from the classes of 2024 were recognized.

The 26th Annual Dessert Contest was held with adult entries and youth entries. Winners were announced by Dessert Contest Chair Virginia Hillman and each presented with a certificate and a gift card.

Children’s Division - Most Beautiful: Caroleen Kelly; Most Unique: Ally Miller; Tastiest: Hazel Shelfer; Adult Division - Most Beautiful: Melinda Schramm; Most Unique: Suzanne Bockhorn; Tastiest: Kelly Stokley.

The 34th Annual Raffle was held. Led by Janis Frenzel and Wyndy Kimich the raffle raised money to offset the cost of the catered meal. Following the raffle, games of bingo were held with more than 40 members participating.

President Bockhorn thanked the 2024 Reunion Committee for their service: Carobeth Bockhorn, Joyce Bockhorn Nelson, Grace Bockhorn Glenn, Scottie Wehman Davis, Dan Davis, Julie Davis Welsh, Janis Busse Frenzel, Wyndy Busse Kimich, Virginia Lorenz Hillman, and Mason Miller. Additional thanks were given to Taylor Bockhorn Jankowski, Karen Kaliszewski Cooper, Kim Kaliszewski, Stacy Bockhorn, and Lauren Bockhorn Buckley for their help setting up and serving the food, for providing entertainment for the children with the bounce house and games, and coordinating the bingo games with prizes.

The 2024 Executive Committee presented a special plaque in tribute to President Bockhorn’s 25 years of service to the reunion serving as a member, Vice-President and President.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hold the 86th Reunion on July 20, 2025. A motion was made and sconded to allow the 2025 Reunion Committee to explore venues and menu to allow for flexibility in arrangement. Comments from the floor noted a very positive response to the new location due to size and amenities. The motion passed by voice vote.

Following the meeting adjournment the afternoon was spent enjoying raffle drawings, bingo, family visitation, and fellowship.

For more information, contact: Bruce Bockhorn at (979) 451-0856 (cell phone) or via e-mail at bockhorn7402@hotmail.com.